SB SDD 3250 - Too Much Clutch?

[boonhauler]

I've been lurking around TDR as it's time to do some towing upgrades to my 05 (early 05) 3500 DRW.

It's been getting tough to shift into reverse and after speaking with the folks over at Standard Transmission I think it's time for a new clutch or at very least bearings (after reading through all the posts here). Being that I want to bump the HP a little (Smarty Jr or Touch) I'm thinking I should be planing on a clutch that can handle the bump. I'll also be towing heavy, 18k+

I've spoken with Peter at SB and he has recommended the 1947-OKHD. I spoke with a friend that has a truck (06) like mine and he's recommending the SB DD 3250. SB has since revised their recommendation up to the DD 3250 after understanding that I tow heavy. I've also spoken with the folks at Centerforce but they do not have a DD Clutch for the NV5600.

Being that I'm getting to be an Old Fart peddle pressure is BIG on my mind. The noise and grabbyness (new speak) is something that's on my mind as well. I'd really like to have a clutch that operates like stock that can handle the bump in HP but I really think I'm dreaming on that one especially after reading through all the threads.

So what do you guys think?? Doesn't sound like Centerforce is an option, haven't spoken with Valair, should I? ........ is the SDD 3250 to much clutch?? ..... would the 1947-OKHD do the trick?? ..... Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

BTW, thanks to all of you that have already posted on the subject, it's really helped

 

[Regcabguy]

The pedal effort on my OKHD is higher than an SBC 3250 DD.
I've driven SBC's 3250 DD with an NV5600 trans. Aside from a little slower shifting it seemed smooth. Reverse without load was smooth as well.
I can't speak for loaded manners.

 

[BILTIT]

You need to speak to valair!

 

[mfurrh55]

I towed heavy all the time with the center force clutch, never had any problems not a slip, I was towing between 16k and 19k, this was behind a nv4500, in an 01 one ton dually4x4, got to having trouble going in rev and 1st, the problem wasn't the clutch, it was the hydraulics, replaced and all was well

 

[boonhauler]

Thanks Guys, I forgot to mention that I'm just now coming up on 150k

 

[Motorhead]

The pedal effort on my OKHD is higher than an SBC 3250 DD.
I've driven SBC's 3250 DD with an NV5600 trans. Aside from a little slower shifting it seemed smooth. Reverse without load was smooth as well.
I can't speak for loaded manners.

Dave, do you know what the poundage of the pressure plate is in your clutch? I am wondering if it is the same as the Con-OFE.

 

[boonhauler]

Thanks BILTIT for pushing me in the Valair direction, I needed the nudge ......

I finally took the time to visit their website and glad I did. I see they have a DD Towing clutch that's all organic.

I called and had a quick chat with them and it looks like I'm going to try the quiet version of that towing clutch. I think I'm going to throw in a HD Hydraulic Master/Slave package as well.

I'll post more as things come together.

Thanks again to all that have posted, much appreciated......

 

[Regcabguy]

Dave, do you know what the poundage of the pressure plate is in your clutch? I am wondering if it is the same as the Con-OFE.

Chris,the OKHD shares the same 3250# pressure plate as the 3250 DD. For whatever reason the pedal effort seems higher than the DD.
It's definitely higher than the stocker. I remember reading the the Con OFE has a lighter pressure plate load.
I got used to it quickly.

 

[Motorhead]

dave, I talked to Mansle at SBC and he told me that the CON-OFE has a 3400 lb pressure plate and that the organic HD used the 3250 lb p plate. Did you install the the HD clutch master and slave? How abut your friend with the 3250 DD? The diameter of the bore on the clutch master cyl and the slave can make a difference in pedal pressure.

 

[Regcabguy]

I have the HD hydraulics.
I don't recall what my friend with the DD has.
I'll text him now.

 

[Regcabguy]

dave, I talked to Mansle at SBC and he told me that the CON-OFE has a 3400 lb pressure plate and that the organic HD used the 3250 lb p plate. Did you install the the HD clutch master and slave? How abut your friend with the 3250 DD? The diameter of the bore on the clutch master cyl and the slave can make a difference in pedal pressure.

He's got the HD hydraulics Chris.

 

[Motorhead]

Dave, As a pressure plate "ages" with the many cycles on the diaphragm spring, it work hardens and stiffens. If your friends double disc was newer than your clutch, that would explain why his feels softer. I am going to pull the OFE out, surface the flywheel and put the ORHD in. In the UPS trucks I drove while I was employed there, the mechanics made up a way to grease the slider that the Throw Out bearing glides on. The mechanic attaches a small hose to the throw out bearing holder and run the tube out of the bell housing through the clutch fork hole. They would give the TO brng a small bit of grease every service interval. You can just imagine how many times we clutched the truck just in one day!

 

[Prairie Dog]

A couple of years ago I finally dumped the SBC's gawd awful ConOfe for their newer OKHD. Best thing I have done to my truck to make it nicer to drive. Even with an extra 100HP, I'm no where close to needing more clutch. The new clutch is lighter and far more civilized.
You dont need a DD for towing heavy. You need it if you have lots or power.
In your application I truly believe you would be happy with the OKHD.

 

[boonhauler]

A couple of years ago I finally dumped the SBC's gawd awful ConOfe for their newer OKHD. Best thing I have done to my truck to make it nicer to drive. Even with an extra 100HP, I'm no where close to needing more clutch. The new clutch is lighter and far more civilized.
You dont need a DD for towing heavy. You need it if you have lots or power.
In your application I truly believe you would be happy with the OKHD.

I see you're running a Smarty Jr, are you at the top?

Edit - Nevermind, I see you are at the top. I don't see myself over the 425 setting either. Thanks, more to think about.

 

[Regcabguy]

A couple of years ago I finally dumped the SBC's gawd awful ConOfe for their newer OKHD. Best thing I have done to my truck to make it nicer to drive. Even with an extra 100HP, I'm no where close to needing more clutch. The new clutch is lighter and far more civilized.
You dont need a DD for towing heavy. You need it if you have lots or power.
In your application I truly believe you would be happy with the OKHD.

I'm pretty easy on my clutch. With the 1800# camper and 285's the clutch would not slip on #7 Smarty Sr default.
I've got Anarchy EFI now and I use #4 most of the time after it's warmed up. Same load,same tires and no slip to date. No towing,sand etc.

 

[Motorhead]

Thanks Prairie Dog. I'm running the 325 HO engine with the 70 HP setting on my SmartyJR. I told Mansel what I was running and he said I'd be fine. The most I might run but only unloaded (No 5th wheel) is the 100HP setting on the Jr.
boonhauler, our trucks are only as strong as the weakest link. The transmissions, the NV5600 in your truck, is only rated for so much HP and Torque, just the same as My G-56. I am probably a bit over the rating right now and I drive it respectfully but I use the extra power when I need it

 

[BILTIT]

Thanks BILTIT for pushing me in the Valair direction, I needed the nudge ......

I finally took the time to visit their website and glad I did. I see they have a DD Towing clutch that's all organic.

I called and had a quick chat with them and it looks like I'm going to try the quiet version of that towing clutch. I think I'm going to throw in a HD Hydraulic Master/Slave package as well.

I'll post more as things come together.

Thanks again to all that have posted, much appreciated......

I ran valairs dd organic in my 1st gen with getrag 360. It would hold all i could give it in every instance. It was a little slower to shift but i could live with that knowing how well it holds power.

I didnt have the option of the quiet dd but would have if i did. The regular dd was alittle louder than stock at idle and with the clutch disengaged.

This was my ensamble i pulled with it.

#ad

 

[Motorhead]

BILTIT, How well did the Gear Vendor hold up on the first gen? Been thinking about one on my 2007.

 

[BILTIT]

Held up fine for me but i only really used it as a 6th gear when unloaded.

Only had it for a few years but no issues. It was great having double overdrive on the highway.

 

[Regcabguy]

BILTIT, How well did the Gear Vendor hold up on the first gen? Been thinking about one on my 2007.

GV doesn't recommend towing heavy or the use of an exhaust brake on the 3rds they told my friend, who bought one anyway. It's had two seal leaks in 50K.
He wouldn't get one again.